My first blue rams.

[ChrisWalker]

Hey all.

I was in a fish store yesterday, the same one I got my Bolivians from. For the first time ever! I saw blue rams in real life and had to buy 2.

Anyway I have a couple of questions. Firstly, how big do these guys grow? At the moment they're about as long as my fully grown female Zebra Danios. The bolivians are much bigger but how big in relation to a bolivian.

Secondly, how long should I expect these guys to live? I read somewhere on this forum that they normally die after about a year!!! Not very long. I think they're from an independant breeder so not mass produced I don't think.

They're really cute fish...They're being fed on sinking pellets and frozen daphnia.

Anyway, here are some pics. (bad i know) if anyone can sex them it would be most helpful...I'm thinking 2 males personally....

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/chriswalker2k/Ram02.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/chriswalker2k/Ram01.jpg

[Star_Rider]

Blue Rams should live about 2-3 years if healthy.

they tend to get about 2"
the female will get a pink belly.

[Cathy G]

Look like males to me. Hope your tank is big enough to support 2 territories, or one will eventually stress the other to the point of death. Keep the temps much warmer than those for the bolivians, blues like at least 82.
Good Luck,
Cathy

[monkey_toes]

I've found that blue rams will take high temps well up to about 85°F (haven't tried higher) BUT they live longer if you drop the temp to 77°F. Mine are also growing to slightly larger sizes and showing slightly darker coloration at the lower temperature.

[clayt101]

Cool, you got the long fin varities.